HVAC For Beginners

Oil Fired Boiler Ratings

A Repairman Reviews The Brands

With our oil fired boiler ratings, you can cut through all the sales hype and find value. Our simple rating system gives each brand a color code and a star rating. If the card is green, then, that is one of the top picks from HvacRepairGuy. If the card is yellow, then, that would be a budget pick from HvacRepairgGuy. If the card is red, then, the brand is not recommended by HvacRepairGuy. It truly is like you were taking a repairman shopping with you!

AXEMAN-ANDERSON

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in America and offers a wide variety of models. The OLYMPIA models are compact horizontal tube units that can be direct vented. The WL SERIES units are traditional vertical tube boilers with a built in domestic hot water coil. The CENTAURUS units have a built in 41 gallon domestic hot water storage tank and the OLYMPIA model boiler is a packaged unit. The OHM model is designed to be installed outside the home which can keep much of the mess from the unit outside. The warranty is not as good as some brands but has a solid guarantee on the heat exchanger.

ARCA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Italy and is available in Europe. They offer standard heating only models as well as models with a heat exchanger for quick domestic hot water production. The manufacturers' website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BENJAMIN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is manufactured in Canada and is also sold in the U.S.A. They offer two models (OB1000 and OB2000) with an AFUE of up to 87%. Some of the models have optional balanced flue or power venting for flexibility in installation. They also have an optional domestic hot water coil available but the standard warranty is not very good.

BROCK

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

These boilers are made and sold in Canada. The BBC boilers feature a three pass cast iron heat exchanger and electronic controls. They have a reversible full swing door for easy maintenance and cleaning and the units are backed by a very good guarantee.

BRYANT

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of United Technologies and is available through dealers in the USA and Canada. The PREFERRED SERIES BW4/5 units have an efficiency of 86%. The units are compact for easy installation and have a swing burner door for easy maintenance and repair. They are sectional cast iron units that are backed by a very good warranty. The BW4 is for heating only while the BW5 has a tankless coil for domestic hot water as well as central heating.

BUDERUS

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This brand is a part of the BOSCH THERMOTECHNOLOGY CORP. The LOGANO G115WS model is a cast iron unit that is available in three sizes and features a full swing open burner door for easier maintenance and repair. The unit offers flexibility in venting as it can be vented into an existing chimney or direct vented. The unit has a three pass design which minimizes loss of heat up the chimney and it has a full three inches of insulation around the boiler to minimize standby losses.

BURNHAM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand of residential boilers is actually manufactured by US BOILER COMPANY. The V8H units are basic cast iron boilers while the MPO-IQ model is a three pass cast iron boiler with advanced controls. Their IQ control platform allows the installation of an optional energy saving control package that can result in a 15 -20% fuel savings. The brand is available in the USA through authorized contractors but their warranty on parts (other than the heat exchanger) is not as good as some of the other brands.

CARRIER

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This brand is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION and is available in the USA and Canada through their dealer network. The PERFORMANCE 86 units are compact cast iron boilers with an AFUE of up to 86%. They have a swing open burner door to make it easier to clean the unit. The BW4 is for central heating only while the BW5 also produces hot water for domestic use. They have a very good warranty.

CENTROMETAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These boilers are made in Croatia and are sold in Europe. The EKO-CUP M3 units are three pass steel boilers that are available in six sizes. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for the units.

CETIK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The EKO MG series of boilers is made in Turkey and is sold worldwide. They feature a refractory lined heat exchanger for durability and are available in thirteen sizes to fit any application. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

COLUMBIA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The EMERALD SERIES units have a one piece ceramic fiber chamber for durability and a built in air scoop system to eliminate air from the heating system. The WB SERIES units have a three pass heat exchanger for efficiency and can either be direct vented or chimney vented. The CASCO BAY SERIES (CBX) units include a 5 gallon per minute hot water coil and have a swing open boiler door for ease of maintenance. It can also be vented through an existing chimney or direct vent. The LV models are low mass units that contain less water and therefore are a little more efficient. The brand is available in the USA and Canada but only through their limited dealer network.

CROWN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made by BURNHAM HOLDINGS. The FREEPORT SERIES units are available in chimney vent models (CT) or direct vent models (ODV). They have a three pass heat exchanger for efficiency, a refractory lined burn chamber, and a swing open burner door for ease of maintenance. The direct vent units have a concentric vent termination for easier and better looking installation. The TOBAGO SERIES units are single pass (less efficient) hot water boilers that offer an optional domestic hot water coil. They are for homes with existing chimneys and are sold exclusively through VELOCITY BOILER WORKS.

DE DIETRICH

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of GROUP BDR THERMEA and is available through their dealer network. The GT series offers three pass cast iron boilers in five sizes to match the size of the home. They have electronic controls for ease of operation and can be vented through a chimney or by direct vent for flexibility.

DETTSON

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This brand is a subsidiary of GROUPE OUELLET CANADA. The HMR series units are for heating and the HMT series can provide heating and hot water. The standard warranty on these units is very good and they offer an optional sealed combustion kit for added energy savings. The units are available through authorized contractors in the USA as well as Canada.

DOMUSA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in Spain and the brand is a part of MONDRAGON CORPORATION. The JAKA range offers low temperature units in four sizes. The EVOLUTION EV range offers high efficiency boilers for heating only or for heating and domestic hot water production. They are durable cast iron units but their website does not have a stated guarantee for their products.

DUNKIRK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL and the units are available in the USA but only through a limited dealer network. The EMPIRE II SERIES features cast iron boilers with a swing open burner door for easier maintenance and repair. They are for installations with an existing chimney and offer an optional domestic hot water coil. The EXCELSIOR EXB series offers compact three pass boilers that can be direct vented for easier installation. The warranty on the units is not as good as other brands.

DYNATHERM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The FP series is available in three sizes for homes but their website is not much help. The units can be vented into a chimney or direct vented. Their website is not much help and the guarantee on the heat exchanger is very good but on other parts it is not.

ELCO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The STRATON range features condensing boilers that are available in four sizes from 11 to 30 kw and have stainless steel heat exchangers for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. The brand is a part of ARISTON THERMO GROUP and the units are available throughout Europe.

FCX

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These boilers are available in two sizes and feature durable stainless steel secondary heat exchangers. They have a built-in expansion tank and pump for easier installation and have dual temperature circuits which allows for both low and high temperature applications. The brand is manufactured by GEMINOX and is available in the USA and Canada but only through a limited dealer network. Their guarantee is not very good when compared to other brands.

FIREBIRD

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Ireland and is available worldwide. The ENVIROMAX range consists of condensing boilers for indoor as well as outdoor installation. The warranty on the heat exchanger is not as good as most brands.

FLEETLINE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in Canada by BRANT STEEL. The AQUAMATIC models have a ceramic fiber lined fire chamber for durability and multi-firing capacity for closely matching the heating needs of the home. The warranty on the units is not as good as some of the other options.

GAH

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These boilers are made in the U.K. The THERMECO units are available as a standard or system model and can be mounted internally or externally. They feature a stainless steel heat exchanger for durability and are available as floor standing or wall hung units. The guarantee on the units is not as good as some other brands.

GIERSCH

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The FCU models are high efficiency boilers with digital combustion management. The brand is a part of ENERTECH AB but their website is not much help.

GRANT

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in the U.K. The VORTEX ECO UTILITY range features condensing units with a stainless steel heat exchanger for durability. They offer floor standing, external, and wall hung models. The VORTEXBLUE range offers models that are cleaner burning but the warranty (especially on the heat exchanger) is not as good as some other brands.

HARREITHER

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The MULTI STAR range offers units that produce domestic hot water as well as central heating. They have an integrated buffer tank and are ready to partner with a solar system. They have electronic controls but the manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

INTERCAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The ECOHEAT boilers are available in five sizes to match the size of your home. They are high efficiency cast iron boilers with a stainless steel secondary heat exchanger for durability. The RATIOLINE R units are basic cast iron non-condensing boilers that are made to replace existing boilers without buying a new burner. The warranty is not as good as some brands.

JASPI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Finland and is available in parts of Europe. The ECO 17 LUX and ECO 30 LUX units are three pass boilers that have an integrated domestic hot water coil. The manufacturer's website is not much help to the consumer and does not have a stated warranty policy.

KERR

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

The CALISTO model is a cast iron three pass boiler that can be vented either through an existing chimney or direct vented through the wall. The COMET is a horizontal fire tube boiler for greater efficiency. The brand is available through authorized installers in Canada.

KOMBI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Greece by THERMODYNAMIKI and is sold throughout Europe. The SB models are basic boilers with a four speed pump. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products.

KROLL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These boilers are made in Germany and are available worldwide. They offer two stage condensing boilers with weather compensated controls for added energy savings. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

LENNOX

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

The COWB3 units feature durable cast iron construction and have a swing out burner door for cleaning and maintenance. They have an optional domestic hot water coil available and are backed by a decent warranty. The brand is available in the USA and Canada but only through their authorized dealers.

MAKTEK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These boilers are made in Turkey and are available in three sizes of floor standing units. Their website is not much help and the guarantee on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

MISTRAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of units including indoor and outdoor mounted units in both condensing and non-condensing versions. The manufacturers' website is not much help to the consumer and the guarantee on the units is not very good.

NEWMAC

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is available through authorized dealers in the U.S. and Canada. The units feature a stainless steel combustion chamber for durability and the burner door swings open for easy access. The NBR-2001 model includes a 5 gallon/minute domestic hot water coil. The warranty on this brand is not very good when compared to the other options.

NTI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of ARISTON THERMO and the units are made in Canada. The CAPRICE units can be direct vented with a kit and have an AFUE of up to 89%. The ODYSSEY SERIES units are direct vent units with a three pass heat exchanger. They have a swing out burner door for ease in maintenance and standard microprocessor control. The TRITON model has a high capacity domestic hot water coil. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended.

OLSEN

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL and the units are available through authorized dealers in the USA and Canada. The UML models are basic multiposition furnaces that feature a two pass heat exchanger for added efficiency. They are available with standard PSC blowers or in a variable speed model (UMLV). They are backed by a very good warranty.

PEERLESS

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This brand is from PB HEAT LLC and is available in the USA and Canada but only through their authorized installers. The WBV/WV units are chimney vented units for either steam or hot water systems. They are available in three sizes to match the needs of the home and have a swing out burner door for easier cleaning and maintenance. The PINNACLE unit is a sealed combustion, condensing boiler with an AFUE of up to 93%. It is only available in two sizes (70000 or 84000 btu/hr) but features a durable stainless steel heat exchanger and a slim profile for installation in those tight spots.

PENNCO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL and is available in the U.S.A but only through a limited dealer network. The KEYSTONE models are available for either steam or hot water systems. They are cast iron units with an AFUE of up to 86.4% and an optional domestic hot water coil available. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

PENSOTTI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The DK2 units have an AFUE of up to 88.6% and can be direct vented or use an existing chimney. They have a three pass cast iron heat exchanger with a lifetime guarantee as well as a swing out burner door for ease of maintenance and cleaning. The brand is a part of GRANBY INDUSTRIES and is made in Canada.

PERGE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in France. The OPTITHERM boilers are low temperature heating only or combi models with two independent heating circuits. The OPTICONDENS is a condensing boiler but the warranty on the units is not very good.

RIMA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from ONMETAL and is made in Turkey. The RS SERIES offers three pass cast iron boilers with automatic electronic controls. They are available in eleven sizes to match the heating needs of virtually any home but their website does not have a stated warranty policy.

ROTEX

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

These boilers are made in Germany and are sold throughout Europe. The A1 is available in four sizes and features stainless steel construction for durability. It has a built-in programmable digital control and an inverter drive pump as well as the ability to burn a blend of fuel oil and bio-oil. Rotex is a part of the DAIKIN GROUP and the units are backed by a very good guarantee.

SIME

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from the SIME GROUP and is made in Italy. The ESTELLE HE is a high efficiency floor standing boiler that is made of cast iron for durability while the RONDO models are basic boilers. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SLANT/FIN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The INTREPID SERIES of units are available for steam or hot water and for direct vent applications. The EUTECTIC EC 10 units are three pass units that are more resistant to thermal shock. They are compact units that are direct vented and have a hinged burner door for easy cleaning. They are very quiet for an oil fired unit but the warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands. The XL 2000 is a basic boiler that is designed for those that are more cost conscious.

SOLAIA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are three pass, cast iron units with an AFUE of up to 87%. They can be direct vented and have a swing open burner door for ease of maintenance. The brand is from BOYERTOWN FURNACE COMPANY and is only available through a limited dealer network that is mostly in the eastern part of the USA.

SUNPOT

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in Japan. The boiler includes a built-in circulator pump and air vent but their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SYSTEM 2000

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The 90+ RESOLUTE boiler provides both central heating and domestic hot water. The units are direct vented and feature a five zone heat control. The SYSTEM 2000 model is a high efficiency boiler that is backed by a very good guarantee. Its unique spiral heat exchange design provides a large ten feet of surface to transfer heat from the exhaust gas to the boiler water and their silent burner enclosure provides for very quiet operation. The brand is made and sold in the USA but is only available through their authorized dealers.

THERMO DYNAMICS

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The LMD SERIES units are low mass, two pass cast iron units. They are direct vented and have a swing open burner door for easy cleaning. The HT SERIES units are three pass, forced draft units with a built in domestic hot water coil. The TDX 90 PLUS is a high efficiency boiler with a three pass heat exchanger and a reversible swing burner door. It is backed by a good warranty.

THERMOFLO

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

The OWB units are chimney vented units with a swing open burner door for easy cleaning. They are available in four sizes to match the heating needs of the home and also offer an optional two stage fuel unit. The OWT units have a built in domestic hot water coil. The warranty on the units is good but they are only available through a very limited dealer network.

THERMSAVER

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in the U.K. and features both indoor and outdoor units. The BOILER HOUSE models can be vented either conventionally or with balanced flue for better efficiency. The CONDENSING KITCHEN models are compact and have a white appliance grade finish. The warranty on the heat exchanger of this brand is not as good as other brands.

THERMOSTAHL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The ENERSAVE boilers are available in a wide selection of sizes and have a three pass heat exchanger for improved efficiency. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products.

TRIO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from PUREPRO PRODUCTS and is available exclusively through F.W. WEBB COMPANY a distributor of HVAC and plumbing supplies in nine states in the northeast part of the USA. The boiler bodies are made by BOYERTOWN FURNACE and feature durable cast iron construction. They are three pass low mass boilers that use recirculating flue gas technology for increased efficiency. They can be direct vented for convenient installation and are backed by a pretty good guarantee.

TURCO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in the U.K. by Turkington Engineering. The CONSUL model is a floor standing unit that can be vented either conventionally or by balanced flue. They have a telescoping vent system that allows for easy installation. Their website is not much help and the warranty on the heat exchanger is not as good as many other brands.

UNICAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These boilers are made in Italy. The brand offers basic cast iron units with electronic controls. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products.

UTICA

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL and is sold through a limited dealer network in the USA and Canada. The BC SERIES are basic units that are chimney vented and have an optional domestic hot water coil available. The STARFIRE SERIES units can be chimney or direct vented. They have models available for steam heating. They have a swing open burner door for easy cleaning and an optional domestic hot water coil is available. The TRIFIRE TRB units are three pass boilers that can be direct vented.

VIESSMANN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The VITOROND 100 units are three pass cast iron sectional boilers. They have a direct vent option as well as multiple control options. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products.

WARMFLOW

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is available in the U.K. The units are available in several models such as a utility model, combi model, and the KABIN PAK outdoor mounted model. The guarantee on the boilers (especially the water jacket) is not very good when compared to other brands.

WEIL-MCLAIN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The ULTRA SERIES units are three pass units that can be chimney or direct vented. They have a swing open burner door for easy cleaning. The WGO models are basic heating only boilers that are available in three sizes while the WTGO units have a built in domestic hot water coil. They have an optional Advanced Features Module for better control including outdoor reset and domestic hot water. The warranty is not as good as most of the other brands and they are only available through their authorized contractors.

WESTCAST

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of Mestek. The SERIES 8HE boilers feature a swing-out burner door for easy maintenance and a built-in air elimination port. The units are backed by a decent guarantee but are only available through a very limited dealer network in parts of Canada and the USA.

WILLIAMSON

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

The OWB units are chimney vented units with a swing open burner door for easy cleaning. They are available in four sizes to match the heating needs of the home and also offer an optional two stage fuel unit. The OWT units have a built in domestic hot water coil. The OSB units are for steam heating systems. The warranty on the units is good.

WOLF

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in Germany. The COB units are condensing units for central heating and feature a two stage blue flame burner and balanced flue for efficiency. The COS-ES unit has an integrated domestic hot water tank. The warranty on the units is not as good as other brands.

WORCESTER

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of the BOSCH GROUP and is made/sold in the U.K. The GREENSTAR DANESMOOR range consists of system boilers in 18, 25, and 30kw sizes. They also offer combination units that provide domestic hot water. All of the units are available in internal and external mounted models.